KSC

LAUNCH COMPLEX 39
FACILITIES
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
APOLLO OBJECTIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A major goal of NASA's Apollo program is a manned
space flight to the moon, exploration of the lunar surface,
and safe return of the astronauts before the end of this
decade.
Under the direction of the Office of Manned Space
Flight, NASA, Washington, D. C., the Apollo program is a
joint responsibility of Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston,
Texas; Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama;
and Kennedy Space Center.
FACT SHEET 03
DECEMBER 1968
Development of launch vehicles for the Apollo pro-
gram is undertaken at the Marshall Space Flight Center,
while the Manned Spacecraft Center oversees development
of spacecraft systems and astronaut selection and training.
Kennedy Space Center is NASA's manager for
Apollo launch operations. KSC provides launch facilities
to support each mission, is responsible for receiving,
inspecting, assembling and preflight testing of launch vehi-
cles and spacecraft, and conducts the launch of vehicles
employed in the program.
Apollo/Saturn V space v.ehicle aboard a Mobile Launcher leaves the Vehicle AssemblyBuilding enroute to launch pad at LaunchComplex
39. Borge, right center, delivers launch vehicle stages to complex.
FACILITIES TO SUPPORT APOLLO PROGRAM
Following President Kennedy's commitment to place
American astronauts on the moon hefore the end of this
decade, NASA ohtained Congressional approval to create
a national spaceport on 88,000 acres of land on Merritt
Island, adjacent to existing facilities on Cape Kennedy.
In August 1961, this location was officially designated
as the launch site for the lunar program.
While KSC developed design criteria for the space-
port, construction was carried out hy various contractor
organizations under direction of the Army Corps of
Engineers.
First Saturn V (the launch vehicle to he used for the
lunar mission) was launched Novemher 9, 1967, the second
April 4, 1968.
The facilities at Kennedy Space Center are located
in two hasic areas:
1. The Industrial Area which houses administrative
and engineering personnel, and provides facilities
for testing Apollo spacecraft and training astro-
nauts.
2. Launch Complex 39, approximately five miles
north of the Industrial Area where facilities for
the assemhly, checkout and launch of Apollo/
Saturn V space vehicles are located.
THE NEED FOR NEW CONCEPTS
The fixed launch concept had heen employed ex-
clusively in all major NASA programs prior to the Apollo
program.
Under the fixed launch concept the space vehicle
undergoes assemhly and integration at the launch pad, and
at that location simulated flight tests and final checkout
of the vehicle take place. This method had proved entirely
satisfactory in earlier programs; however, the size and
complexity of Apollo/Saturn V vehicles and the frequency
of scheduled flight tests dictated requirements that have
evolved into the new mohile launch concept.
The mohile launch concept consists of assemhly,
integration and checkout of space vehicles in a protected
environment, with the flight-ready vehicle then trans-
ported to the launch site. There, following final servicing
and propellant loading, the launch is effected.
One of the major benefits realized in the mohile
launch concept is the reduction in pad time (the time a
launch site and support elements are tied up in preparation
for a mission). As a comparison, manned Mercury
missions normally required pad times of several months.
In Apollo missions, the mohile launch concept can even-
tually reduce pad time to about two weeks.
Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 pro-
vides the capahility to carry out launch operations under
the requirements of the mohile launch concept.
Artist's cutaway view of VAB showing assembly of Satum V space vehicle.
VEHICLE ASSEMBLY BUILDING
The hub of operations at Launch Complex 39 is the
Vehicle Assembly Building (V AB). The V AB consists of a
high bay area 525 feet high, and a low bay area 210 feet
high. With a length of 716 feet and width of 513 feet, the
V AB covers 343,500 square feet of floor space. It is one
of the world's largest buildings by volume, containing
129,482,000 cubic feet of space. Assembly of Apollo/
Saturn V space vehicles takes place inside the V AB.
The high and low bay areas, serviced by a transfer
aisle for movement of vehicle stages, form two distinct
operational elements of the building.
The low bay area is approximately 442 deep and 274
feet wide. It contains eight stage-preparation and check-
out cens. A 175-ton bridge crane services the transfer aisle
from the low bay to the high bay area.
The high bay area provides the facilities for assembly
and checkout of Saturn V stages, instrument unit and
Apollo The high bay area is approximately
525 feet high, and covers an area 518 feet by 442 feet. It
contains four separate bays for vertical assembly and inte-
grated vehicle checkout.
Rollout of Apollo/Saturn V from VAB.
Access to the space vehicle is provided by divided
work platforms in each high bay which completely sur-
round the vehicle at varying levels. Each platform is com-
posed of two parts that move in and mate, affording 360-
degree access to the section being worked on.
There are 141 dose-tolerance lifting devices in the
VAE, ranging from one-ton hoists to two 250--ton high-
lift bridge cranes with hook heights of 462 feet.
Office and storage areas are located inside the V AB.
The low bay area contains quarters for flight crews and
support personnel who must remain nearby during critical
periods of assembly and checkout. There are 17 elevators
in the high bay area and four in the low bay area.
Four door areas in the high bay, one in each bay,
permit movement of Mobile Launchers to and from the
V AB. Lower doors consist of four leaves, which open
horizontally. Upper doors consist of seven leaves which
open upward. Total door height is 456 feet.
The foundation of the VAS rests on 4,225 steel
pilings, each 16 inches in diameter, driven from 150 to
170 feet to bedrock. The skeletal structure of the build-
ing contains approximately 60,000 tons of structural
steel. The exterior is covered by more than a million
square feet of insulated aluminum siding and 70,000
square feet of light-emitting plastic panels.
MOB! lE LAUNCHERS
F or each space vehicle undergoing assembly inside
the a Mobile Launcher composed of a launch plat-
form base and an umbilical tower, provides the physical
support for the vertically integrated vehicle. The 18,000
square foot base of the Mobile Launcher, upon which the
Apono/Saturn V is assembled, later serves as the launch
platform at the pad. The umbilical tower provides access
platforms and support for propellant, electrical and com-
munication lines.
The base of the Mobile Launcher contains
arms and the tail service masts for servicing the first stage
of the space vehicle. The launcher base houses equipment
including computer digitally controlled
ment for propellant pneumatic lines, electrical power
systems, and water There is a 45-foot square
101' rocket exhaust at liftoff.
on the
base platform, open steel structure.
Mounted at the top of the tower is a 25-ton
halnrnerhead crane,- 'Nhich extends the total
399 feet.
electrical, and instruluentation
high located within
tm!{er, afford service to the work !_H"U''-'UU".
Eaeh Mobile Launcher stands 445 feet taU and
lO.5-million The launchers are the
structures known.
TRANSPORTER
Transportation is afforded by two Transporters.
These 6-million pound units transfer Mobile Launchers
into the V AB and rvlobile Launchers with assembled
Apollo/Saturn V space vehicles to the launch pad. They
also transport the Mobile Service Structure to and from
the launch pad.
Each Transporter is 131 feet long and 114 feet wide.
The vehicle moves on four double-tracked crawlers, each
10 feet high and 40 feet long. Each shoe on the crawler
tracks weighs about 2,000 pounds.
Sixteen traction motors powered by four 1,000 kw
generators, which are driven by two 1,750 horsepower
diesel engines, provide the motive power for the Trans-
porter. Two 750 kw generators, driven by two 1,065
horsepower diesel engines, power the jacking, steering
lighting, ventilating and electronic systems.
In operation, a Transporter slips under the Mobile
Launcher and raises the launcher and space vehicle.
Transporter
The Transporter moves out of the V AB, transferring
the more than ll-million pound load approximately 3.5
miles to the launch site. During the trip, which includes a
climb up a 5-percent g;fade to the pad, the Transporter
must carry its load in a vertical position within 10 minutes
of arc. In order to accomplish this the Transporter is
equipped with both automatic and manual leveling devices.
It is also equipped with a hydraulic jacking system for
raising and lowering the Mobile Launchers.
The Transporter travels over a specially constructed
Crawlerway, 130 feet wide, divided by a median strip.
The roadbed averages seven feet in thickness and is com-
posed of layers of hydraulic selected fill, graded lime
rock, and asphalt seaJer coat. It is then topped with eight
inches of graded river rock.
The Transporter, which has a maximum loaded
speed of one mile an hour, is designed for a 12-million
pound load capacity. Depending on direction of move-
ment, operators can occupy cabs at either end of the
Transporter. Minimum turning radius for the vehicle is
500 feet.
Apollo/Saturn V and Mobile Launcher are moved to launch pad
by T ran s porter.
Cu taway view of Launch Pad" A".
LAUNCH SITES
Two launch pads have been constructed at Launch
Complex 39, and land is available for two more if future
schedules require additional sites.
Each launch site is in the shape of an irregular octa-
gon, approximately 3,000 feet across. A deep flame
trench partially bisects each pad. Prior to launch a 650-
ton wedge shaped flame deflector, 41 feet six inches high,
is moved by rail into the flame trench. Positioned directly
beneath the space vehicle, it deflects the flames and chan-
nels the exhaust along the flame trench. To dissipate
flames and minimize damage at the pad a water deluge
system is available which can pump 40,000 gallons of
water a minute into the flame trench.
The Mobile Launcher, with flight-ready space vehicle
on board, is secured to six mount mechanisms located on
the concrete surface of the pad. Other fixed components
on the launch pad include liquid oxygen and hydrogen
service towers, a fuel system service tower, an electrical
power pedestal, and other facilities to service and effect
launch of the space vehicle.
The Pad Terminal Connection Room (PTCR) is lo-
cated underground and to one side of the flame trench.
The steel-reinforced concrete enclosure, covered with as
much as 20 feet of earth fill, houses electronic equipment
which is part of the communication link between a Mobile
Launcher and the Launch Control Center. Other similarly
placed enclosures are the Environmental Control Systems
(ECS) Room, High Pressure Gas Storage Room and Emer-
gency Egress Room.
Located near the perimeter of the pads are RP-1
(Kerosene), liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen storage
facilities, and a Remote Air Intake Facility. Within the
launch site area are holding ponds used for retention of
fuel spill and waste water. There is also a burn pond for
disposal of hydrogen gas boil off.
BARGE TERMINAL
The Barge Terminal facilities consist of an access
canal, a turning basin, a dock, barge slips and a materials
handling area adjoining the dock.
The access canal is provided for marine barge vessels
which deliver launch vehicle stages and related components
as well as other types of heavy equipment. The canal runs
generally eastward to the Banana River, which in turn
leads to the Atlantic Ocean via Port Canaveral.
The turning basin is the terminal point for the
barge vessels. Southeast of the V AB, it is 1,200 feet
across and 10 feet deep.
MOBILE SERVICE STRUCTURE
In an actual launch operation, the Transporter,
after depositing the Mobile Launcher and space vehicle on
the pad, returns to the Mobile Service Structure parking
area 7,000 feet from the pad. There it picks up the Mobile
Service Structure and carries it to the pad.
The Mobile Service Structure is a 402-foot tali,
derrick-type, steel-trussed tower, which weighs 9,800,000
pounds. At the launch pad it is lowered and secured to
four mount mechanisms.
The Mobile Service Structure provides access for
final connection of certain ordnance items, checkout
functions, and related equipment for servicing systems
components of the Apollo spacecraft. It also provides
Satu", borg'" at b"'ge te,minal
access for hypergolic fueling of the command, service and
lunar modules.
The Mobile Service Structure has five work plat-
forms which dose around the space vehicle. Two plat-
forms are powered to move up and down. The remaining
three can be repositioned, but are not self powered. Two
high rise elevators provide service to the work platforms.
Located in the base portion of the structure is a
mechanical equipment room, an operations support room,
a communications and TV room, and areas for equipment
storage.
Before launch, the Mobile Service Structure is re-
moved from the pad and returned to the parking area.
After space vehicle and Mobile Launcher are secured on pad, moves Mobile ServIce Struc'bure into position.
LAUNCH CONTROL CENTER
Located just east of the VAB is the Launch Control
Center (LCC). This four-story building, where final count-
down and launch of Apollo/Saturn V's, are conducted, is
the electronic brain of Launch Complex 39. The LCC is
also the facility from which a multitude of checkout and
test operations are conducted while space vehicle assembly
is taking place inside the V AB.
The ground floor of the structure is devoted to ser-
vice and support functions such as medical facilities, office
space, shops, laboratories and a cafeteria.
One of four firing rooms in Launch Control Center.
Telemetry, radio, tracking, instrumentation, data re-
duction and evaluation equipment occupy the second floor.
The third floor of the LCC has four firing rooms,
computers, visitors' galleries and offices. Each firing
room is designed to house 470 monitors and control
consoles.
The fourth floor looks down on the third floor and
provides each firing room with four rear-view projection
screens that present different views of the launch site
during launch operations. The fourth floor also contains
conference rooms.
Launch of Apollo 4 from LC-39.